Great Date Spots Where You Become the Chef

Great Date Spots Where You Become the Chef

Whether you're searching for the perfect romantic restaurant or worrying about what to do on your next date, planning a memorable night can be stressful. Luckily, there's a way to kill both of those pesky birds with one stone: Head to a restaurant where you can cook your own dinner.

We know it sounds counterintuitive at first, but cooking your own food offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that you and your special someone will never forget. It's also a great way to ease the tension on first dates or break free from the same old "dinner and a movie" mold. Best of all, you might learn a few tricks to take home and try out in your home kitchen.

Here are five great restaurants where you're in charge of the night's menu.

(MeltingPot.com)

The Melting Pot

Take a dip at The Melting Pot, the fondue chain where hungry patrons dip, dunk and drench each of their bites before chowing down. Enjoy a melty cheese fondue for an appetizer, simmer your main course in a savory broth, and feed each other chocolate dipped treats for dessert. Each location also features a secluded Lover's Lane booth for couples who prefer more privacy while they dine.

(Benihana)

Benihana

Benihana's Be The Chef program offers a unique experience for your special someone. Purchase this gift package for a loved one, and they'll recieve a personal teppanyaki training session with a professional Benihana chef. Afterwards, he or she (along with the trained chef) can treat you and two guests to a demonstration of their talents.

(CaliforniaShabuShabu.com)

California Shabu Shabu

Japanese-style shabu-shabu cuisine is becoming more and more popular stateside, and for good reason: It's fun. At places like the California Shabu Shabu restaurants, diners order up vegetables, seafood and thinly sliced meats which they cook at their own table in a pot of bubbling broth. And because the food is simmered and not deep-fried or sautéed, shabu-shabu is a great option for the health conscious couple.

(Cosi)

Cosi

Craving something sweet? Try capping off your special night at Cosi. This national restaurant chain allows guests to roast their own s'mores using a tabletop fire pit. It's like camping, but with better lighting and access to indoor plumbing.